Strong currents, wind and rough seas are thought to have prevented her from being able to get back to her starting point.

After spending two nights clinging for dear life to her board, she was finally spotted on Tuesday afternoon at around 3.30pm having drifted around 80 miles to the east, regional newspaper Ouest France reported.

She was discovered about 30 miles from the port of Le Havre by a Belgian fishing boat.

"She fell off her board three times," her uncle said. "Apparently she tried her best to stay conscious and cling to her board and not let go."

According to Ouest France she was able to alert her sister to let her know she was safe and sound.

France's national maritime rescue service SNCM said she faced four metre high swells and winds of up to 40 knots.